Game 43: The Leafs aren’t that good, please win

After last night’s debacle in Pittsburgh, the Rangers are in Toronto trying to salvage the second half of the season. Playing .500 hockey will not suffice if this team has playoff aspirations, so this is a team that needs to get their act in gear yesterday. Toronto is a team that finds ways to get points despite being one of the worst puck possession teams in the league. This is a beatable team, but the Rangers need to beat them in regulation to gain any ground on them in the “wildcard” spots.

On the ice, the Leafs mostly rotate between an aggressive 1-2-2 forecheck and a passive 1-2-2. However, they’ll also mix in a 2-1-2 forecheck on occassion depending on game situation. In the defensive zone, the Leafs generally play a collapsing box, which will leave the point men open for opportunities. Their powerplay (umbrella) is fairly standard. On the kill, the Leafs will rotate between PK strategies depending on opposition setup.

Carcillo is about 10 years younger than Asham and Carcillo steps it up in the playoffs. He’s a good pest and when Dorsett returns we have a decent 4th line now. I think the Rangers have either Moore or Boyle, not both. Neither has made the decision easy with breakout offensive numbers but neither is really a 3rd line player.

I wish AV would change things up on the Forecheck. The Rangers just don’t cause enough turnovers in the neutral zone and teams are afforded time and space right on through. I personally wish AV would use either a 2-1-2 or a 1-3-1 with a lead. Cause more turnovers when teams are being more aggressive. This group just haven’t mastered this Forecheck yet. While we cough up the puck on a regular basis.

Hagelin hasn’t done anything to warrent top 6 mins. He’s one of the fastest skaters in the league but yet he can’t Forecheck or beat the opposing Defense. Top 6 spots aren’t given out because of a report 2 players had last season. I’d like him to do a little tinkering but when Torts was here all complained about it. Never happy!

Everyone bitched about Tortorella and his line tinkering but atleast he was actively trying to get results. He was aggressive and tried everything possible to win every night. AV does the complete opposite. He is too much of a passive coach.

I’ve tried my hardest this season to not go on an AV vs Torts rant and I think I’ve been pretty good at that.

Then again I do believe blaiming a coach is the biggest excuse for an underperforming team.

It’s clear as day Nash is doing zippo, and maybe he should be moved to the second line, and have Zucc in his place with Kreider. They jelled very well, and carried the team earlier this season, why not go back to what worked in the first place?????

So the guy who we all used to call a filthy slug when he was a Flyer, is now our beloved enforcer. They need someone who can play tough within the AV system of hockey. Not some injury-damaged, cement-head who’ll do nothing but pile of penalty minutes. Now that hes a Ranger, every hit, every move will be scrutinized to the point where he’ll become useless. It happens with every tough guy we ever got. All of a sudden, the refs realize hes in the lineup. I really believe Sather doesn’t have a clue how to improve this team. But I will say, a 7th rounder isn’t a great loss.

I am starting to wonder about AV…he may not be the right fit for this team or conference. But at 2 million a year we might be stuck with him for a couple of years. But then again, whats 10 mil for Dolan?

Did Toronto get stuck in Detroit? Yeah, the Rangers look good, but there’s only one team playing out there. Much like last night in Pitt. Don’t get me wrong; take the points and get out of there. But still, lets not make too much out of this.

No one made too much of the game. This was a nice win but it was against possibly the worst puck possession team in the NHL. The Rangers played well and were on the puck and puck carrier all night long. It was Toronto tho so keep that in mind. Lets see if this team can learn how it needs to play and get on a roll with this win. So many players made a contribution tonight that maybe the entire team can play with confidence and an identity for the rest of the season. I’ve been saying that maybe this team needed some locker room guys. Maybe Carcillo is one of those guys. With him and Dorsett on the 4th line with either Boyle or Moore in the middle, I like the combo.

Dude, can’t get too excited with the win until they prove to be for real. All season they have been at 500, until they get over the hill, and play some 600-700 I won’t be happy!! We have to be realistic, the only reason we are even in the run for an outside chance of making the play-offs is the division is sooooooooo piss poor!

I think you’re overestimating the Carcillo move. Looks like nothing more than window dressing, after last nights debacle. If he helps, fine. But I don’t see it. Hes a fourth line prick that will take too many penalties and forfeit his place in the lineup.

I have never been a fan of Carcillo, probably never will be even with our jersey on his back, but we need some grit, and he will provide it! For a 7th round pick, what have we got to loose, nothing????????

exactly! He also might be a good guy to have in the locker room. I think this team needs leadership. A positive voice for when the Rangers are down or loosing. Being Carcillo played for the Hawks last season through their entire Cup run, I think he may be that type of guy. I wish Sather would find a couple righties. I think loosing one in Dorsett and replacing him with yet another Lefty hurts. The Rangers only have 1 righty on their top 6.
Miller- played his best game in the NHL last night. He was all over the place and skated real hard. He looked much better in his zone.
Callahan- had a good game last night. I think he was a little rusty but overall was effective. I hope he’s fully recovered and he didn’t rush back to play soft, bland hockey.
Nash- had a decent game. He’s skating better every game the last 3-4 games.
Del Zotto- played his best game of the season also. He looked like the defenseman fans have been waiting for. He was decisive with the puck and looked confident on D. Very good come back game from DZ.